About Northumberland's Housing and Homelessness Plan

Why a Plan

In 2010 the Ontario Government released a Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy designed to make Ontario's housing system more flexible, community-centered and addressing the entire housing continuum, in partnership with Service Managers and municipalities. This Strategy led to the Housing Services Act, 2011, and the Ontario Housing Policy Statement, through which requirements for long-term housing and homelessness plans were identified. In particular, Service Managers, such as Northumberland County, were required to complete a 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, to be implemented starting January 1st 2014.

Vision for the Northumberland County Plan

Northumberland County will strive to facilitate single, senior and family housing that respects people's choice of residence and is responsive to community need.

The County will realize this vision by continuing to work with the provincial government, other funders, community-based housing and service providers, and the private sector.

The County is committed to working towards ending long-term homelessness through a housing first approach which emphasizes preventive measures that stabilize people's housing, and provide affordable housing with appropriate support services.

Community Feedback

Between April 2013 and August 2013, Northumberland County engaged in a series of consultations to obtain feedback from the community about priorities for the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. Consultations included:

Presentation to the 7 municipalities of Northumberland County

An online survey on the Northumberland County website (120+ responses)

8 community meetings, open to the general public

30+ in-depth one-on-on interviews with community agencies and other stakeholders